My chickens think I'm a rooster!

[ScotianChick]

I got rid of Bill, my RIR rooster after he pretty much maimed two of my SLW hens. I finally feel good about my decision. My hens used to run away from me and even when I was feeding them right out of my hand they wouldn't let me pet them (well one would). Anyway... I was feeling pleased with myself for being able to pet everyone and sit in the yard with them eating around me... then my RIR hen Alabama came over and started squawking. Concerned, I walked over and she plunked down on her butt with her wings slightly spread. That's it... they think I'm the rooster now. I ruffled her feathers a little and she shook off... that confirms it. I'm now the rooster

What do I do when I introduce my roo pullet in a few weeks? Haha, they'll be so conflicted.

 

[smarsh]

I have a hen that does the same thing, but only if I talk to her as I approach and if she is willing at that time. It is really funny.

 

[Pinky]

Now you're their leader

 

[Louise's Country Closet]

Whoa, and there you are again! I find you all over

A few of my girls have been doing that lately too!! Even one of my female turkeys does that for me. I kinda like it, it's cute

 

[gryeyes]

That's a positive thing. You WANT them to be submissive to you.

When my hens squat for me, I just give 'em a quick skritch on the back of their necks, another skritch at the base of the tail-feathers, and a final pat on the back, saying, "Good girl!"

I love the little fluff-up they do before they walk away. I prefer to think it's just adjusting "bed feathers," rather than what that maneuver really accomplishes.

*blush*

 

[speckledhen]

My chickens think I'm a rooster!

No, they don't. They are being submissive to the leader, you.​

 

[bgelber]

mine do this, I love it. I pet them then go about what I was doing.

 

[nuttyredhead]

A few of mine do the same thing!

 

[Ravishaw]

I was worried about a peck one of my wynadottes got from a RIR hen, and when I went to pick her up she did the squat maneuver and I guess I squeezed her just a bit as I tucked her under my arm because she let out a chicken fart.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

Quote:
No, they don't. They are being submissive to the leader, you.

No, They think of you as the rooster. The leader is the rooster so you are kind of right. If there is a leader hen, they will not do the same thing to her. They are offering themselves sexually to you, that means that in some terms, they think you are the rooster.